Week 8, Term 1 2025 - 18th March 2025
APRE's Reflection
WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LENT?
In the Church’s liturgical calendar, it is now the season of Lent, which began on Ash Wednesday. Lent is a time to grow closer to God, be kind to others, and share what we have with those in need. It’s all about preparing for Easter and helping make the world a better place. There are a few important symbols that we associate with Lent;
Ashes:
On Ash Wednesday, we received ashes made from palm leaves from last year. These ashes remind us that Lent is a special time to get ready for Easter. The ashes also help us think about Jesus' journey, how He suffered on the cross and then came back to life. When we get ashes on our foreheads, we're saying, "I want to follow Jesus." It's a time to pray, help others, and be kind. The ashes remind us to be sorry for our mistakes and try to be better, just like how Jesus forgives us.
The Colour Purple:
The colour for Lent is purple. Purple was the colour of kings in Jesus' time, so it reminds us that Jesus is the King of the world. It also helps us remember that Lent is a time to say sorry for the bad things we’ve done and try to be better.
The Cross:
The cross is the most important symbol. It shows us that Jesus died for us, but also that He came back to life at Easter, which gives us hope and joy!
The Number 40:
Lent lasts 40 days (not counting Sundays), just like how Jesus spent 40 days in the desert. It was a time for Jesus to pray and think about His mission. For us, Lent is a time to pray, give up something, and grow closer to God.
Project Compassion during Lent
During Lent, we are called to help others (almsgiving). One way to do this is by giving to Project Compassion, which helps people who don’t have enough food, water, or money. Project Compassion is a program that helps people in need around the world. When we donate to this program, we help make the world a better place by giving others what they need to live. This year’s theme is “Unite Against Poverty”. It reminds us that when we work together, we can help end poverty and make the world a fairer place for everyone. Even small acts of kindness can help people have better lives! I encourage you to support the students to donate to Project Compassion and in doing so help Project Compassion provide clean water to children all over the world. Each class has a donation box in their classroom
God of all peoples and nations,
As you accompany us on our Lenten journey,
may our fasting strengthen our commitment to live in solidarity,
our almsgiving be an act of justice,
and our prayers anchor us in love and compassion.
Awaken our hearts and minds that we may be one human family
as we all go further together.
We ask this in Jesus’ name,
Amen
Artwork by 3M - Beginning our Lenten Journey for 2025
From our Principal | Mr Wes Rose
In our Prayers
- Prayers are requested for Kylie Young (Teacher Assistant) and her family, following the passing of Kylie’s mother yesterday.
- We also keep Mrs Karlie Tatchell (Indigenous Education Liaison Officer) and her family in our prayers following the passing of her father-in-law.
Congratulations
At this morning’s 8am Parish Mass, Alice Campbell (yr 4) was received into the Catholic faith. It was wonderful to see many of Alice’s classmates and peers attend this Mass.
Sacred Garden
Construction of our new Centenary Garden commenced last week and has been interrupted by the wet weather. I am sure that once completed, this space will be a lovely and well-used feature of our school for many years to come.
(Artistic impression of our new Centenary Garden)
P&F Meeting
Last week’s P&F Meeting was very well attended. Attendees reflected on the P&F wish list for 2025 and where students and staff saw areas for improvement. I am pleased to announce that our P&F have generously committed to funding in the following areas;
- New Prep outdoor play equipment
- Display boards for Art Show, use around the school
- New BOOST reading books
- New library book boxes, library games and new robotics equipment
- New sporting equipment
- Contribution towards new Sacred Garden
- Garden Club equipment
- Support for Wellbeing Day, Year 6 Graduation Dinner and Rep Sport subsidy.
Please note that the next P&F meeting is scheduled for 6pm on Tuesday 29th April in the staffroom.
NAPLAN Testing
Well done to the Year 3 and 5 students who completed their NAPLAN tests over the past week. Students were well prepared and coped with the test conditions extremely well. We look forward to receiving our results in July.
Staff Training
Yesterday, teachers participated in a ‘twilight’ professional development session, focusing on some of the new updates to our Mathematics teaching and learning approach.
- Today, Mrs Leonard and Mrs Schweitzer (CAP students) attended a meeting at MacKillop.
- This afternoon, our teachers will work with Mr David Paul (Assistant Director: Schools) in preparation for the
School Improvement Team visit in late April.
- This Thursday, Mrs van Lint and Mrs Sorbello will participate in a ZOOM focusing on Religious Education.
- Next Tue-Thu, Mr Rose will be away, attending the Diocesan Principal’s Conference.
Year 3-6 Cross Country Carnival
All the best to the Year 3-6 students who will participate in the Senior Cross Country next Monday at Queen’s Park. Parents and relatives are most welcome to attend. If you are able to assist, please let Mrs Sibley know. In preparation for this carnival, we will hold war cries this Friday at 1:50pm-2:15pm.
WHS Audit
This week, we welcome staff from our regional office to assist us with our WHS internal Audit. I thank Mrs Caroline Gordon (WHS Officer) for coordinating this audit.
Quote of the Week
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others."
-Cicero
Youth Mass & Children's Liturgy
PLEASE JOIN US!
St Mary's School will join with St Patrick's College to celebrate our Youth Mass on Saturday 22nd March, St Mary's Church at 5pm. Children's Liturgy will be also be held.
Mass will be followed by a pizza outside the church. Everyone is most welcome to attend.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Belinda van Lint
Assistant Principal: Religious Education
Harmony Day
This Friday 21st March, we invite all students to wear ONE orange item of clothing with their uniform as we recognise Harmony Day (which is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism).
We will be selling orange icy cups for 50c at second break. All proceeds will go to #ProjectCompassion
Project Compassion - Third Week of Lent
Lam is 27 years old from a small village in rural Vietnam who faced significant challenges due to his short stature. Growing up, Lam often felt isolated due to limited job opportunities and difficulty moving around his community. While his friends started jobs after high school, Lam stayed home with his parents, unsure if he could ever achieve his dream of becoming a graphic designer.
Everything changed when Lam joined the I-SHINE program, supported by Caritas Australia. Through this initiative Lam completed a six-month course developing his graphic design skills. Along the way, he built confidence, made friends and gained a sense of connection.
Today, Lam runs a successful freelance graphic design business from home, serving clients worldwide and earning a steady income. Lam hopes his story will encourage other young people with disabilities to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.
Lam’s journey shows how your support of Project Compassion empowers individuals to break barriers and transform their lives.
Will you walk alongside people like Lam this Lent?
Please donate to Project Compassion.
You can support Project Compassion using donation boxes in student classrooms, scanning the QR code, by visiting caritas.org.au/project-compassion or by calling 1800 024 413. There are also envelopes available from your parish.
Caritas Classroom Tally
Class | Total | Class | Total |
Prep C | $64.10 | Prep R | $26.00 |
| Year 1B | $79.60 | Year 1C | $47.40 |
| Year 2A | $54.05 | Year 2L | $41.10 |
| Year 3M | $51.00 | Year 3P | $92.20 |
| Year 4G | $10.00 | Year 4R | $30.10 |
| Year 5C | $24.00 | Year 5F | $37.00 |
| Year 6C | $34.40 | Year 6T | $16.90 |
| TOTAL | $607.95 |
Prep 2026 Enrolments
2026 Prep Enrolments are open for new and existing families. If you have a sibling commencing Prep in 2026, please complete your enrolment application ASAP so we have an idea of sibling numbers.
Enrolments close on the 30th May 2025 and interviews will commence in Term 3.
If you have any questions, please contact the school office.
Book Club Orders
Please note: Cash orders will be accepted direct to the school library by Friday 21st March.
Cross Country
St Mary's Cross Country is next Monday, 24th March at Queens Park. All students in Year 3 to 6 are reminded to bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen and a healthy snack.
We look forward to a fun morning finished with tired legs and full hearts.
Student of the Week
Week 7, Term 1 Student Award Winners
| Prep C | Pippen | Your confidence in Sound Waves and Heggerty lessons this term has been fantastic! Thank you for always giving your best effort, keep up the great work Pippen! |
| Prep R | Evelyn | For the effort and positive attitude you are showing during our Heggerty sessions. Wow, what an improvement! You are a Heggerty Hero for sure! |
| Prep R | Audrey | For always listening and following instructions. You are trying your hardest in everything you do and we are very lucky to have you in Prep R. Keep being amazing! |
| 1B | Airlie | For your participation in class discussions this week. You wait patiently, share confidently and always have insightful contributions. Keep it up Airlie! |
| 1B | Elsie | For the amazing sentences you have been writing this week. You are working hard to add further detail with when, where, and why. Keep challenging yourself Elsie! |
| 1C | Eva | For your happy and eager attitude in class. You are keen to learn and try your best on all tasks. Your teacher loves the way you joyously contribute to class discussions. Keep up the awesome effort Eva! |
| 1C | Edie | For your caring and considerate nature in class. Your teacher loves the way you help others in times of need and respectfully participate in class games and activities. Keep up the super effort Edie! |
| 2A | Lucy | For the outstanding progression you have made with your reading. You have persevered and never given up. Keep being you, Lucy! |
| 2A | William | For your wonderful 'can do' attitude. You always try your best and have a growth mindset. Keep being positive, William! |
| 2L | Maisie | Maisie you are nothing short of amazing! You have a zest for learning in all areas of your schoolwork and you always strive to do your best. When challenges arise, you problem-solve like a super-detective!! Keep up the fabulous effort! |
| 2L | Helena | Helena your teacher is very impressed with your contribution of ideas for the ‘problem’ in our narrative writing work this week. I can’t wait to read what happens at the end of your story! |
| 3M | Cara | For her outstanding focus and effort in preparing for NAPLAN. Cara’s dedication to improving her skills, particularly in writing, has been truly impressive. Keep up the fantastic work! I am so proud of your hard work! |
| 3M | Lincoln | For always being a conscientious learner and trying your best across all learning areas. Keep up the fantastic work Lincoln! |
| 3P | Poppy | For the positive learning attitude you bring to our classroom every day. Poppy, you always start each lesson and activity with a smile, and your eagerness to learn is something you should be very proud of. Keep up the wonderful work Poppy - you are a star! |
| 3P | Declan | For the diligence you demonstrate across all areas of your learning and schoolwork. Declan, thank you for always listening attentively, sharing your ideas in class, and being a reliable student who can be trusted to work independently at all times. Keep working hard! |
| 4G | Olivia | For demonstrating outstanding math skills and making valuable contributions to class discussions. Your enthusiasm for learning and willingness to share ideas inspire those around you! Keep up the fantastic work Olivia! |
| 4G | Nicholas | For showing incredible determination, never giving up, and always giving your best effort in everything you do. Your dedication and hard work are truly admirable, keep up the good work Nicholas! |
| 4R | Eileen | For your active participation in class discussions, combined with the effort you put into your learning and classroom tasks, sets a wonderful example for your peers. Keep up the excellent work Eileen! |
| 4R | Evan | For your outstanding mathematics skills and ability to complete your tasks quickly and accurately. Keep up the fantastic work Evan! |
| 5C | Charlie | For your hard work in class this week. Charlie I am super impressed with your can do attitude with your work this week, you have tackled all tasks with a positive mindset. Keep up the great work! |
| 5C | Jett | For your hard work this term. Jett you have worked hard to complete all tasks to the best of your ability. You are a valuable member of 5C and we are going to miss you! We wish you luck at your new school. |
| 5C | Oliver | For your amazing work in mathematics this term. Oliver I am super impressed with your mathematical understanding and your ability to apply this to a range of different contexts. Keep up the great work. |
| 5F | Ruby | For consistently striving to achieve your best and demonstrating a conscientious attitude toward your learning. Your persistent efforts, diligence and commitment are inspiring. |
| 5F | Finn | For actively participating in all learning areas and positively contributing to class discussions. You actively listen, interpret information and willingly offer your thoughts. Thank you for working hard! |
| 6C | Audrey | For your wonderful focus, dedication to learning, and persistence in solving fraction problems. It is great to see you complete tasks to the best of your ability. |
| 6C | Oliver | For demonstrating outstanding energy, enthusiasm, and dedication in all class activities. Your consistent effort and contributions have made a positive impact on our learning environment. Well done! |
| 6T | Mila | For consistently and wholeheartedly applying 100% effort to all tasks you undertake. Your work ethic is impeccable! You are a wonderful role model in our classroom. Keep up the fantastic work Mila! |
| 6T | Lexie | For your fantastic effort in Literacy Rotations this week. You created an excellent persuasive piece on the importance of donating to Caritas to assist those who are less fortunate than us. Well done, Lexie! |
| Sport | Nicholas M | Running 3km in cross country training and being able to back it up with a 1km run in PE class. Your teacher is proud of your resilience and determination. |
| Sport | Class 1C | Quickly adjusting to the different time for PE this week and continuing to show excellent listening skills and positive attitudes. Keep it up. |
| Drama | Classes 2A & 2L | The most exuberant performances which are always entertaining. Thank you for sharing your joy. You are all STARS!!! |
